Portland Community College

Program Overview

ESOL Levels 1 through 3 are non-credit classes. Levels 4 and 5 can be taken either as
non-credit or credit classes. Levels 6 through 8 are credit classes.
Twenty-four credits of ESOL courses may be applied to the Associates Degree or
the Oregon Transfer Degree. The cost of ESOL classes ranges from a moderate fee
to full college tuition.
Also see Fees and Economic Fee Waivers.

Estimated Time to Complete the Program

Each class in Levels 1 through 3 is designed to be completed in two to three terms. Each class
in Levels 4 though 8 is designed to be completed in one term. A student’s rate of
progress through the program is affected by a number of factors, such as native
language, educational background, living situation, work schedule, and time available
to study and practice.

Noncredit Fee Waivers

Class Fee Waivers

ESOL students in Levels 1 - 5 who cannot pay the class fee can ask their
instructor for a Class Fee Waiver form. To qualify, a student must show proof
of participation in Food Stamp Benefits, Oregon Health Plan, Dislocated Workers
Program, or TRIO programs. All class and tech fees can be waived
for Level 1 - 3 students. Students who are in Level 4 or 5 can only waive
the class and tech fees for one class each term.